Three quizzed over alleged rape after college ball

Police are investigating the alleged rape of two female students and sexual assault of a third after a summer ball at the Royal Agricultural University.

Three male students were arrested in connection with the alleged attacks, which are said to have taken place on the night of the summer ball at the university in Cirencester.

The three victims, aged 19, 20 and 21, told police that they were attacked at a private property following the ball.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police confirmed: “Three students from the Royal Agricultural University were arrested on Sunday 25 May in Cirencester in connection with an investigation into alleged sexual assaults.

“They have been bailed respectively until 29, 30 and 31 July to return to a police station as part of the investigation.”

The student’s union hosted the ball, which is held every year to celebrate the end of exams. On its website, the event is described as “the biggest ball of the year and the main event in the social diary”.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Agricultural University said: “We can confirm that three students have been suspended.

“We have asked police to investigate and are helping them fully with their enquiries.”

The Royal Agricultural University is considered to be one of the top universities to study agriculture in the country. The university’s alumni include Princess Anne’s ex-husband Captain Mark Phillips and its patron, Prince Charles.

The university has more than 1,150 students, from more than 40 countries, studying its 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.